This post brought to you by TownePlace Suites by Marriott®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Growing Up Gabel.
Spend more time having fun while on vacation, and less time trying to find what you need, with these travel organization tips for families.
When I was in my early twenties I had the coolest job ever. I worked for a travel company selling and escorting tours in the Middle East. I traveled several times each year to places like Egypt, Jordan and Syria. I had a system down on how to pack for a 10 day trip in one rolling duffel bag and a back pack. I was a pro at staying organized. But my first trip with my daughter at the age of 4 months old for a weekend trip to New York threw out all my old systems. Holy cow did this kid need a lot of stuff! In the 8 years since I’ve found a few ways to stay organized when traveling as a family.
Always pack a carry on with two days worth of necessities – I learned this lesson the hard way when I took my then 2 year old daughter back to Michigan to see family. I was alone and 6 months pregnant. Our flight misconnected and I ended up in Memphis for a night without any extra clothes, toiletries or enough diapers. This cool carry on set from The Container Store® is perfect to be able to carry all your necessities and still get through the TSA. Just don’t forget toothbrushes.
Book a hotel with extended stay features – When I traveled single, I rarely spent time in my hotel room. So it was quite a change to discover that with kids, you spend more time in a hotel room. My kids could just go to a hotel and spend a week. I personally like a hotel with an extra room for the kids, lots of closet space for our “stuff” and a kitchen or kitchenette for meals. I like our home base to have enough room to keep us organized. TownePlace Suites by Marriott® has all these plus a pool! In fact, TownePlace Suites® has partnered with The Container Store® to incorporate their elfa® closet system in to the rooms at 11 of their hotels.
Look how organized you can be with that amazing closet! I love the shelves and drawers right in the closet to help keep clothes, shoes, and other kid gear organized.
Unpack as soon as you arrive – I never ever unpacked my duffle bag when I traveled single, but now the first thing I do when we arrive at a hotel is unpack. Clothes are put in drawers or hung up. Swimming gear is given a priority spot for easy access for changing. Shoes are put in the closet so we don’t lose them under furniture. This wet bag from The Container Store® is awesome for keeping wet bathing suits away from dry clothing so it goes with the swim gear.
For longer stays, bring more of home – I noticed that my daughter starts to really miss home after about two days. So if we are going to be gone for longer than that, I tend to pack more items to make our hotel room feel homier. This zippered pouch is perfect for carrying things like essential oils, lotions, binkies, or other smaller items that help ease homesickness.
I have found that these four simple tips have helped our family have better vacations. Instead of spending time searching for lost items, we know where everything is and enjoy more time having fun! Find out more about TownePlace Suites® on the TownePlace Suites® Facebook page!
Would you like to try out the new elfa system at TownePlace Suites®? Well, you can! TownePlace Suites® is giving away a $100 gift card to put towards your next stay. To enter just comment on this blog post and tell me – “What do you do to stay organized on extended-stay travel with your family?”
You must be 21+, U.S. residents only to enter. One (1) winner will be chosen. See official rules here.
